A PROLIFIC thief has been banned from entering stores and buildings in Huddersfield and Dewsbury after authorities used new legislation.

Lexus James Wakefield, 32, from Huddersfield, has been handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order after being convicted of thefts, an assault on a detention officer, assaulting a police officer and anti-social behaviour earlier this year.

The order was granted following an application by Kirklees Council and Kirklees District Police as part of the Kirklees Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership.

It bans him from entering the Asda store on Mill Street West in Dewsbury, entering Huddersfield bus station, Upperhead Row and the area immediately outside, including the multi-storey car park with the exception of attending solicitors’ offices.

He is also forbidden to enter Poundland in New Street, Huddersfield and remain in any retail premises within the town if asked to leave.

The order also bans Wakefield from asking for money across the Huddersfield area.

Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) came into force in October last year under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are aimed at tackling the most serious and persistent offenders.

Several CBOs have now been taken out in the Kirklees area to prevent repeat offending and help rehabilitate known criminals.

Sgt Andy Lockwood, of Kirklees Police, said: “We are continuing to make full use of the CBO legislation to target those whose criminal and anti-social behaviour has had an ongoing detrimental impact on local communities.

“The granting of this latest order is another good illustration of how the police and council are working together to provide long-term solutions to issues that affect local people’s quality of life.

“I hope this order will provide some reassurance to local businesses and residents in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, and serves as a warning to offenders that we will use every legal means we can to prevent them from re-offending.”

Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “The council and the police are committed to ensuring that people visiting our town centres can do so without fear of being harassed, or having to witness anti-social behaviour.

“By applying for orders like the one given to Mr Wakefield we hope to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in our town centres and crimes against local businesses. “This type of action is always our last resort, and we do all we can to work with offenders to try to help them modify their behaviour, but sometimes despite our best efforts we have to resort to the ultimate sanction to protect our residents. The probation service will continue to support Mr Wakefield to address his behaviour and ensure he follows the conditions of his order.”